Motivational Interviewing – 24th/25th May

This 15-hour workshop is aimed at those working in both the addiction field and wider social care contexts i.e. homelessness, residential care, youth work, and social care wishing to expand their skill and knowledge base in the area of addiction counselling through the application of motivational interviewing. The training will include learning in key skills such as reflective listening, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, managing ambivalence, and promoting client self-efficacy. The training is for anyone with a serious interest in the area of substance use and who interacts in either a paid or voluntary capacity with people who have addiction issues.

Title: Motivational interviewing helping people to work towards change

Eligibility: This training is for anyone who interacts on either a paid or a voluntary capacity in the area of problem drug use /addiction and has an interest in both the conscious and unconscious factors that underpin human motivation and the capacity for change.

Cost: €180.00, €50.00 non-refundable deposit to secure your place on the programme. €130.00 on first day of the event

How to apply: Course application forms are attached to this advertisement, and can also be got from Peter Kelly, Training Officer at Merchants Quay Ireland peter.kelly@mqi.ie or by contacting Peter at 01-5240936.

Programme Aims:

This course will develop in students an integrated set of strategies for increasing competence in motivational counseling skills. Theoretical underpinnings of the approach will be examined, alongside key principles and strategies. Core skills will be explained and students will be given the opportunity to practice these core skills in class through role-play. Emphasis will focus on developing proficiency in the areas of reflective listening, highlighting discrepancy, rolling with resistance, increasing client self-efficacy, managing urges and compulsions, and implementing change plans and strategies.

Programme Outcomes:

Have gained a good understanding of Motivational Interviewing, its theoretical underpinnings, influence, and development.

Will have achieved a level of competency in the core skills and be able to begin, maintain, and conclude a helping intervention.

Have an understanding of the Wheel of Change and be able to situate the cycles of drug/alcohol use within its framework.

Will have developed a proficiency in the areas of reflective listening, dealing with resistance/ambivalence, and the development of discrepancy.

Be able to move clients towards the process of change through the management of compulsions and urges and the exploration of intrinsic motivation.